Nicola Stockford

Nicola Stockford

MBACP, BSc (Hons) Systemic Counselling

I am a caring, encouraging and mindful counsellor with experience of working in the voluntary field as well as private practice. I currently work in a GP setting for Merthyr and Valleys Mind working with individuals, but I also work with couples. As a member of BACP I work within a safe ethical framework and offer expert listening and attention in a respectful, non-judgemental and confidential way. It is reassuring when people find hope after being heard, feel understood, and find clarity and confidence in this process.

I work alongside each person to navigate through issues, notice things they may not have, and help them to recognise their own strengths, seeing problems with new eyes or renewed strength, paving a way for the future.

I also offer coaching where I work towards future goals and work with the here-and-now, and have experience of facilitating workshops (or psycho-education) on behalf of Mind.

I look to integrate my approach when counselling which I think gives us more flexibility in where we go with a problem.

If you are interested in further information on my approach: My training from a systemic approach means that I am curious about each person’s story, I understand how complex people’s lives are and I work to remove complicated assumptions that can often hold people back. I aim to help relationships within couples, families and workplaces (but there’s more to it than that). I integrate this with a person-centred focus of being non-judgemental, using natural empathy and authenticity, or ‘keeping it real’.

I keep up to date with clinical supervision, insurance and Continual Professional Development.

Most of my experience has been in 1-1 settings where a variety of issues have been brought up such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, (including work stress), bereavement, loss, family issues, marital and relationship issues, ill health, difficult life-transitions, previous abuse, and more. I have also worked in specialist agencies including Cancer Aid and Voices from Care (for people who have been through the care system), and for employees with work stress.

My training was at the Family Institute at the University of South Wales (I gained a BSc in Systemic Counselling). I had 3 placements at Voices from Care in Cardiff, Ty Elis in Porthcawl and Merthyr & Valleys Mind, where I still work as a counsellor.

I am also an ASIST trainer (prevention for suicide training) and have also facilitated wellness workshops for Mind.

Please be reassured if you cannot get through by phone you can leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I can run through with you what to expect over the phone (before we meet).